The AFC South is a division lead by the Indianapolis Colts with the Jacksonville Jaguars close behind while the other two are stockpiling talent to catch up.
Tennessee Titans 2008 Draft Picks
The Titans had one of the worst drafts compared to the rest of the league. They needed big play making receivers to give Vince Young a target and add another dimension to their offense which mainly depends on the run. You would think that their first pick would be a receiver but instead they opted to draft runningback Chris Johnson from East Carolina. The guy had an amazing 40-time of 4.24 but is only 197 pounds. From my views they are looking to have a power speed combo with Lendale White and Johnson with Johnson being the third down pass option. I think they should have drafted a receiver. The team took defensive end Jason Jones from Eastern Michigan who has good size and athletic talent to pass rush and hold his own against the run. The rest of the drafts are not mentionable to me including the third round tight end. You have got to be kidding me Titans.
Houston Texans 2008 Draft Picks
The Texans main goal in the draft was to pick up an offensive lineman to sturdy up the line that gave up 43 sacks in 2007. The best they could get with the 26 pick was tackle Duane Brown from Virginia Tech. His highlight videos show some talent as a pass blocker. The Texans also drafted cornerback Antwaun Molden from Eastern Michigan who I was able to see play in the Texas all-star game where he did okay against tougher competition. He had a great combine 40 time of 4.389 but I think the Texans could have drafted him in the later rounds. His speed is his best aspect and if he can improve on his coverage skills he will be a good player in a few years. The Texans also took a gamble on Steve Slaton with their 3rd round pick. I like Slaton’s athletic upside. He is not an every down back but the Texans have too many of those already. He will make a nice compliment.
Jacksonville Jaguars 2008 Draft Picks
With the loss of Marcus Stroud and the lack of a pass rush last season, the Jaguars traded up twice to pick up two defensive ends. The team picked defensive end Derrick Harvey from Florida who has good size and decent speed to pass rush but also hold his ground against the run. The team also traded draft picks to get defensive end Quentin Groves from Auburn. Weighing only 259 pounds, he is not going to be a run down end but with his combine time of 4.57, he makes a great pass down rusher who can come off the corner. I don’t like the teams 3rd round pick of USC linebacker Thomas Williams because he is too slow and is a product of the system but I do like the drafting of South Florida cornerback Trae Williams who makes a good cover corner for three receiver slots.
Indianapolis Colts 2008 Draft Picks
The Indianapolis Colts drafted first to protect their best asset in Peyton Manning. The team selected center Mike Pollak from Arizona State to study under Jeff Saturday before he eventually retires. They also needed a run stopping middle linebacker as well and drafted Philip Wheeler from Georgia Tech but I think they should have went with Beau Bell from UNLV who I consider more well rounded. The Colts continued drafting receiving tight ends by taking Jacob Tamme who should have been drafted before John Carlson in my opinion. He is 6′3, runs a 4.58, and has great hands which makes him a fit for the Indianapolis offense. The other draft pick I like is OLB Marcus Howard who will be used at defensive end as a quick pass rusher. He has great speed and if he can produce a variety of pass rushing techniques will match Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.